Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (v. dactylon)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
Dense, low-growing sod with a medium to fine texture. Exhibits a grey-green to dark green color during active growth, turning tan/brown during winter dormancy. Spikes are finger-like (digitate) with 3-7 branches.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, acutely pointed tips. Folded vernation, inconspicuous membranous ligule with a fringe of hairs, no auricles. Collar is narrow and continuous with long hairs on the edges.
Root System
Extensive and deep; employs both surface stolons and deep underground rhizomes. High thatch tendency, very fast establishment, excellent wear recovery due to aggressive lateral growth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones globally
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; highly aggressive mat-forming spreader
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8+ hours); low to moderate water needs. Excellent drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches for hybrid, 1.5 to 2.5 inches for common. High frequency (weekly). 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic vertical mowing/dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Superior traffic/wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, poor shade tolerance. Recovers quickly from damage. Highly competitive against weeds when dense.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization on slopes; can be invasive in gardens and non-target areas. Often overseeded with Perennial Ryegrass for winter color.